If you’re staring at your calendar trying to figure out exactly when is alabama georgia football game, you aren’t alone. It’s the matchup everyone circles in red ink the second the SEC drops the schedule. Why? Because honestly, these two teams have basically turned the college football landscape into their own personal playground over the last decade.
For the upcoming 2026 season, the wait is almost over. The Alabama Crimson Tide will host the Georgia Bulldogs on October 10, 2026.
The game is set to take place at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. It’s a massive mid-season clash that could easily decide who heads to Atlanta for the SEC Championship later that December. While the exact kickoff time and TV network (likely ABC or ESPN) usually aren't finalized until about two weeks before the game, you can bet your house it’ll be a primetime "Night Game" atmosphere.
Why the 2026 Alabama Georgia Football Game is Different
We've moved past the Nick Saban era. That’s the big elephant in the room. For years, this rivalry was defined by the mentor versus the protégé—Saban vs. Kirby Smart. Now, under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama is trying to prove they haven't lost their seat at the head of the table.
Georgia, meanwhile, has become the new standard. Kirby Smart has built a literal factory in Athens.
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In 2025, these two played twice. Alabama took the regular-season meeting in Athens, snapping Georgia's insane 33-game home winning streak. But the Dawgs got the last laugh, thumping the Tide 28-7 in the SEC Championship. That back-and-forth is exactly why people keep searching for the next date. We’re watching a heavyweight boxing match that never seems to end.
Looking Back to Look Ahead
If you want to understand why October 10 is so important, look at the recent history. Since 2020, they’ve met in regular-season thrillers, SEC title games, and even a National Championship.
- September 2024: Alabama won a 41-34 thriller in Tuscaloosa.
- September 2025: Alabama won 24-21 in Athens.
- December 2025: Georgia dominated 28-7 in Atlanta.
The home-field advantage has been weirdly inconsistent. Alabama has actually been more successful in Athens recently than at home or on neutral ground. Going into 2026, the Crimson Tide will be desperate to defend their home turf and avenge that ugly 21-point loss in the last SEC title game.
The SEC Schedule Shakeup
The SEC isn't what it used to be. With Texas and Oklahoma in the mix, the path to the playoffs is a total gauntlet. This isn't just a rivalry; it's an elimination game.
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The 2026 slate for Alabama is brutal. They open with East Carolina but quickly hit the road to Kentucky. By the time Georgia rolls into Tuscaloosa on October 10, both teams will likely be battle-tested and potentially nursing some early-season injuries.
Georgia’s 2026 path is equally spicy. They have to deal with Oklahoma and Vanderbilt before they even think about the trip to Alabama. It’s a grind. Basically, if you aren't prepared by October, your season might be over before the leaves even change color.
Key Matchups to Watch
- The Quarterback Battle: By 2026, we’ll likely see new faces or highly developed juniors under center. Gunner Stockton showed flashes of brilliance for Georgia in late 2025, while Alabama’s Ty Simpson has been the steady hand.
- The Trenches: It’s a cliché because it’s true. Georgia’s defensive line against Alabama’s offensive front is where the 2025 championship was won.
- Coaching Adjustments: How does DeBoer counter Kirby Smart’s defensive schemes now that he has a few years of SEC film to study?
Planning Your Trip to Tuscaloosa
If you're actually planning to attend the Alabama Georgia football game in person, you need to start moving now. Like, yesterday.
Hotels in Tuscaloosa for a game of this magnitude usually sell out a year in advance. Many fans end up staying in Birmingham and making the 50-minute drive on game day. It’s not ideal, but it’s reality.
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Tickets? Good luck. Unless you’re a TIDE PRIDE member or willing to drop a small fortune on secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek, you’re looking at standing-room-only prices that would make a sane person weep. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 just to get inside the gates.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 matchup, here is what you should actually do:
- Book Lodging Early: Check for refundable hotel bookings in Tuscaloosa or Northport now. If you wait until the summer of 2026, you’ll be paying triple the rate.
- Monitor the "Flex" Schedule: Keep an eye on the SEC’s "Early Season" TV window announcements in May 2026. While the exact time won't be set, you'll get a better idea if it's a 3:30 PM ET or a 7:30 PM ET kickoff.
- Join Ticket Waiting Lists: If you aren't a season ticket holder, get on the official waiting list at RollTide.com. It's a long shot, but it's better than nothing.
- Follow Injury Reports: September is a long month. Watch the week-to-week health of the offensive lines. In this series, the team that stays healthier through September usually dictates the physical tone of the October game.
The rivalry is currently leaning in Georgia's favor after their dominant performance in Atlanta, but Tuscaloosa is a different beast entirely. October 10 is the date. Everything else is just noise until the ball is kicked.